14 Reds killed, 1 captured in Batangas ops

MANILA (UPDATED) — Fourteen New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while one was wounded and captured during military operations in Nasugbu town, Batangas Tuesday night.

The incident also resulted in the slight wounding of three troopers who now in stable condition.

In an interview, Major Mikko Magisa, 202nd Infantry Brigade executive officer, said the series of encounters between between the Air Force’s 730th Combat, police and various military units took place at Barangays Aga and Kaylaway took place around 8:20 p.m.

The firefight lasted for around 20 to 40 minutes.

He added that the encounter was “intelligence driven” and stemmed from the Nov. 20 operation in Barangay Utod which earlier resulted in the capture of a NPA base and undetermined rebel casualties last Nov. 20.

Magisa said the seized NPA encampment is capable of housing and training a significant number of rebels.

All of the bodies of the NPA dead were recovered by troops along with 12 high-powered firearms which consists of 10 M-16 automatic rifles, an M-16 automatic rifle fitted with a M-203 grenade launcher and an M-79.

Nine of the slain rebels were male while five were female, Magisa added.

While the wounded rebel were immediately taken to a private hospital for treatment.

Magisa said that they are still verifying reports that the Secretary of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 3 and a platoon leader were among the 14 dead.

The above-mentioned rebel band also sustained losses during an encounter with government troops last Sept. 24 at the vicinity of Mount Banoy, Barangay Talumpok, Batangas City.

In the encounter, a rebel was reported killed while M-16 automatic rifles and a bandolier was also recovered with no losses to the government side.